By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
“We can never promise something in a future budget because we don't know where we're going to be.” — Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Bremen
The Indiana Department of Transportation updated a state panel on its road funding crunch, which has only been heightened by a gas tax suspension.
More than 13,000 assistance applications have been filed with FEMA after devastating Indiana flooding.
Fort Wayne’s 122nd Fighter Wing received funding in it effort to land a base for F-35As in the next 18 months.
The Canadian tariff war escalates.
Plus, my take on the hysteria around Flock cameras.
Indiana Department of Transportation workers patch a road. (Photo from INDOT website)
Surplus eyed to cover road losses
By Mackenzi Klemann
Gov. Mike Braun's administration has asked lawmakers to tap into state cash reserves to cover losses from Indiana's gas tax suspension, but top legislative leaders aren't ready to commit to the plan just yet.
"The Speaker (Todd Huston) and I said the same thing: We can never promise something in a future budget because we don't know where we're going to be," said state Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Bremen.
Indiana Department of Homeland Security Executive Director Jonathan Whitham, right, speaks alongside Gov. Mike Braun during a news conference in the State Emergency Operations Center on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. (Photo by Tom Davies/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Review continues for 30-plus Indiana counties in federal disaster aid request
By Tom Davies
Residents in more Indiana counties could become eligible for federal disaster assistance as officials said Thursday that damage assessments were continuing from this month’s severe storms and flooding.
More than 13,000 aid applications have been submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency since a major disaster declaration was approved Tuesday for 21 Indiana counties.
COMMENTARY
Flock Automated License Plate Reader as captured on Aug. 5, 2026. (Photo by Valentin Termite/Idaho Capital Sun)
Indiana Legislature erred by not acting on license plate readers but can correct the mistake
By Niki Kelly
Automated license plate readers are not new to Indiana, but the outrage is. Flock Safety cameras are the new f-word — even though they have been in use across the state for years with little to no reaction.
I see both sides of the debate but err on the side of giving police more tools. This is especially true in a climate where everyone is hyper-focused on crime and resistant to property taxes.
NATIONAL NEWS
Shipping containers sit at Malcolm Transfer Station in Minneapolis on March 21, 2026. A developing trade war with Canada poses economic danger, especially for states on the northern border. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)
Canadian tariffs to further raise prices, a top concern for voters
By Ashley Murray
WASHINGTON — A developing trade war with Canada could bite Republicans ahead of the upcoming midterm elections as voters worry about rising prices and industries in states with competitive races could suffer.
Maine’s lobster industry dodged what officials had warned could be economic havoc Thursday morning when Canada reversed its decision to tax lobster imports at 25%. But states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Michigan and Wisconsin could see effects if Canada follows through on retaliatory tariffs on alcohol, automobiles, dairy, home appliances, steel and other goods.
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